The free world is the new continent in cyberspace that we have built so we can live here in freedom. It's impossible to live in freedom in the old world of cyberspace, where every program has its feudal lord that bullies and mistreats the users. So, to live in freedom we have to build a new continent. Because this is a virtual continent, it has room for everyone, and there are no immigration restrictions. - Richard Stallman -

PC-BSD is a free operating system with ease of use in mind. Like any modern system, you can listen to your favorite music, watch your movies, work with office documents and install your favorite applications with a setup wizard at a click.

PC-BSD is a Unix-like, desktop-oriented operating system based on FreeBSD. It aims to be easy to install by using a graphical installation program, and easy and ready-to-use immediately by providing KDE SC as the pre-installed graphical user interface. PC-BSD provides official binary nVidia and Intel drivers for hardware acceleration and an optional 3D desktop interface through Compiz Fusion.

PC-BSD also contains a package management system allowing users to graphically install pre-built software packages from a single downloaded executable file, which is uncommon on BSD operating systems. In August 2006 it was voted the most beginner friendly operating system by OSWeekly.com

Updates:

Kris Moore has announced the availability of the first beta release of PC-BSD 8.2, a user-friendly desktop operating system based on FreeBSD: "The PC-BSD team is pleased to announce the availability of PC-BSD 8.2-BETA1 which is running FreeBSD 8.2-PRERELEASE, X.Org 7.5, and KDE 4.5.4. Version 8.2 contains a number of enhancements and improvements. Some of the notable changes are: added ability to select file system type and to encrypt partitions during installation; added ability to change hostname from installer; numerous fixes and improvements to NetworkManager, including 3G support and ability to enable/disable the lagg interface. Everyone is encouraged to test this beta and to report any bugs to the testing mailing list. Instructions for beta testers can be found in the PC-BSD Handbook."

PC-BSD has as its goals to be an easy-to-install-and-use desktop operating system, based on FreeBSD. To accomplish this, it currently has a graphical installation, which will enable even UNIX novices to easily install and get it running. It will also come with KDE pre-built, so that the desktop can be used immediately. Currently in development is a graphical software installation program, which will make installing pre-built software as easy as other popular operating systems.

PC-BSD's package management system takes a different approach to installing software than many other Unix-like operating systems. Instead of using the FreeBSD ports tree directly (although it remains available), PC-BSD uses files with the .pbi filename extension which, when double-clicked, bring up an installation wizard program. An autobuild system tracks the FreeBSD ports collection and generates new PBI's daily. The generated PBI's are maintained at the PC-BSD software repository.

All software packages and dependencies are installed in their own self-contained directories in /Programs. This convention decreases confusion about where binary programs reside, removes the possibility of a package breaking if system libraries are upgraded or changed, and prevents dependency hell. The PC-BSD package manager also takes care of creating categorized links in the KDE menu and on the KDE desktop.

The PC-BSD package management system aims to be similar to that of major operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X, where applications are installed from a single downloaded file with graphical prompts, rather than the traditional package management systems that many Unix-like systems use.

Are you ready to take the plunge into PC-BSD and change your computing experience? This getting started guide will provide some of the basics you'll need to know to move your system to PC-BSD.

First, and the most important is that you'll need to grab a copy of PC-BSD. You may download PC-BSD from our website, or purchase a boxed packages from our store. If you choose the download route, you'll need a couple blank CD's to burn the images onto.

Second, you may want to review the migration notes to ensure that your system is ready to install PC-BSD.

Once you have reviewed the migration information, you should be ready to start a fresh installation. The PC-BSD quick-guide may assist you in the installation process.

After your initial setup is complete, you may be ready to start loading software, known as PBI files, on your system. The PBI Directory will be your best place to start searching for software.

A full PC-BSD installation should only take between 15-25 minutes, depending on your system speed and hardware. Should you run into any problems with any portion of the procedure, please visit our support page , which will help you in fixing the issues.